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2008 Media Coverage:

2008 Press Releases:

Peninsula Humane Society Offering Free Pet Food to Needy County Residents This Saturday

December 15, 2008 (San Mateo) -- On Saturday, December 20, from 10 am to 2 pm, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA), with help from a small group of local animal welfare supporters, will distribute free dog and cat food to County residents who need it to care for their pets.

The shelter and local supporters have been collecting donated food in preparation for the one-day event, which will take place in the shelter’s Spay/Neuter parking lot, located at the far north end of the 12 Airport Blvd. location. The Foster City Costco donated a significant amount of dog and cat food.

For years, PHS/SPCA has held similar events. On the first Wednesday of each month since the mid-1990s, the shelter has hosted a low-cost vaccination clinic. And, for the past three years, PHS/SPCA has been driving its mobile spay/neuter clinic into low-income areas and offering residents free fixes for their pets. Last year, shelter staff performed over 1,000 free surgeries.

“Our upcoming food bank day is a nice way to give those less fortunate a nice holiday gift,” said PHS/SPCA President Ken White.  “We know that kind actions of any size are deeply appreciated and can make a difference to people in our area trying to care for their pets during these hard economic times.” 

For those who wish to donate food for this effort, PHS/SPCA will only accept unopened bags or cans of dog or cat food. Any food items can be dropped off at the shelter, day or night, at the area just to the left of the shelter’s main entrance at 12 Airport Blvd. 

PHS/SPCA will also accept cash donations, which will benefit all shelter programs designed to help low and fixed-income San Mateo County residents. All donations are tax deductible.

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Peninsula Humane Society Seeking Holiday-Season Foster Homes for 54 Cats

December 4, 2008 (San Mateo) – The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is seeking immediate foster homes for its unusually high number of shelter cats and is hosting two brief orientations in early December for interested local residents. Foster families will have the option of adopting cats at the end of their foster periods, though adoption is not required for participation in this unique program.

The orientations will be held at PHS/SPCA on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, and Saturday, Dec. 13, from 2-3 pm. Interested foster parents will meet staff, learn about resources available to them during the foster period, and have an opportunity to choose their foster kitty among the near five dozen currently available. The foster periods, with few exceptions, will begin the week of December 15. 

Foster parents will receive free food and free kitty litter as part of their take-home packet.  Also, all cats in the program will be fully vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered. Though highly unlikely, medical issues that arise during the foster period will be treated by the shelter’s veterinary staff at no cost to the foster parent.

"Every shelter kitty should be curled up inside a home this holiday season,” said PHS/SPCA spokesperson Scott Delucchi.  “Even folks who don't know whether they’re ready for a full-time commitment can make a huge difference by providing one cat (or a bonded pair) at least three weeks of restful, temporary foster care in their home through the holidays.”

Shelter staff have labeled this program the “Twenty-One Days of Christmas.”

Foster parents will be asked to keep cats indoors and commit to a period of at least three consecutive weeks, though longer periods are possible. Also, staff will gladly consider making any foster arrangement a permanent adoption at any time during the foster period. 

“In a way, this is like a try-out,” said Ken White, PHS/SPCA President. “People will have a unique opportunity to see what living with a new cat is like before they make a long-term commitment, and if they choose not to adopt, they’ve still provided something wonderful for a shelter cat.”

PHS/SPCA has recruited foster families in previous years, but always during spring and summer when the shelter is overwhelmed with kittens. This holiday season, the need is far greater for mature cats. The shelter has 54 cats at least one year old who can all benefit from foster care this holiday season.

“A permanent, loving home is always our first choice, but if they aren’t available we’d love to provide all our cats a temporary home during this special time of the year,” said PHS/SPCA Customer Service Manager Dan Hanley.

In addition to the many mature cats seeking foster homes, PHS/SPCA has an unusual number of kittens available for adoption. “Since December is traditionally a busy month for adoptions, we’re hoping to place all of the 60 or so kittens with new families so they, too, can have a wonderful holiday,” continued Hanley.

Interested foster parents should reserve a spot in one of the two orientations by contacting Brian Probst at 650/340-7022, ext. 328 or bprobst@PHS-SPCA.org.

Those interested in adopting a kitten can visit the shelter between 11 am and 7 pm Monday through Friday, or between 11 am and 6 pm on the weekends. Adopters should arrive at least an hour before closing to complete an adoption.

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Peninsula Humane Society To Host "Santa Photo" Dates for Pet Owners

November 28, 2008 (San Mateo) -- The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is hosting Santa Photo days for the general public on Wednesday, Dec. 3 (6-8 pm) and Saturday, Dec. 13 (10-12 noon). For just $10, pet owners can have their pet sit on Santa's lap and get one 4 x 6 color photo and holiday frame.

All proceeds from both photo sessions -- to be held at the shelter's 12 Airport Blvd. location -- will benefit PHS/SPCA shelter animals who don't yet have homes this holiday season. Due to recent construction projects and road closures near the shelter, PHS/SPCA asks that interested pet owners visit the shelter's website which provides driving directions. www.PHS-SPCA.org.

"It's a nice alternative to the other options out there," said PHS/SPCA spokesperson Scott Delucchi.  "We always have parking in front of our main entrance, we don't expect long lines, our Santa truly wants pets on his lap, and best of all, every sale will help a homeless dog or cat get adopted."

Reservations are not required.

For more information, contact Scott Delucchi at 650/685-8510 or delucchi@PHS-SPCA.org.

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Disney Movie’s October 3 Release Will Increase Demand for Chihuahuas -- 21 Now Available at Peninsula Humane Society

October 2, 2008 (San Mateo) -- While Beverly HillsChihuahua’s October 3 opening has some animal shelters feeling nervous, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) believes the film's popularity could help the 21 Chihuahuas or Chihuahua mixes currently available for adoption. 

"We know the movie will make this breed even more popular," said PHS/SPCA Senior Vice President Scott Delucchi. “And, if people visit shelters, this could be a fabulous fall for our homeless dogs.”

Other shelters aren’t as hopeful. Some fear Beverly HillsChihuahua may lead to impulse buys from unprepared owners and more pets dumped at shelters. Some of PHS/SPCA’s current population were surrendered because their owners didn’t understand the breed; Chihuahuas in particular, and smaller dogs in general, aren’t always comfortable being handled by small children or sharing a home with a larger dog.

In the coming weeks, the shelter will try to connect with any potential Chihuahua adopters and let them know about the breeds’ special qualities.

“We’re doing everything we can to let people know they don’t need to pay a breeder, pet shop or a stranger on the Internet $300 or $400 for a Chihuahua when we have almost two dozen available right now,” continued Delucchi. “And, ours come with ‘extras’ including all their vaccinations, a microchip, an ID tag, a post-adoption Health Assuredness Plan plus a free spay/neuter surgery.”

PHS/SPCA notes another fundamental difference between an adoption and a transaction where a pet is sold. “Making lasting matches is our only objective,” said PHS/SPCA President Ken White. “Our staff matchmakers give as much information as possible and try to find the right dog for each person or family who visits.”

To see some of PHS/SPCA’s 21 Chihuahuas available for adoption, visit www.PHS-SPCA.org, where adopters can also download the shelter’s one-page Adoption Profile which is needed for any adoption.  Adoption hours are 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 6 pm on weekends, though visitors are encouraged to arrive at least an hour before closing to complete an adoption. 

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PHS/SPCA Now Offering Private Behavior Consultations for Dog Owners

September 9, 2008 (San Mateo, CA)  --  Beginning this week, the Peninsula Humane Society’s & SPCA’s (PHS/SPCA’s) Behavior Department is offering private behavior consultations as a new service for the general public.

At $70 for the initial 75-minute appointment and $40 for 30-minute follow-ups, the new service costs about half of what most for-profit ventures and individual trainers typically charge for similar services.

“As a non-profit, we’re not looking to turn this service into a significant revenue stream, but we hope our reduced rates will more than cover costs and, more importantly, help people keep their pets and enjoy lasting relationships,” said PHS/SPCA spokesperson Scott Delucchi.

Some issues PHS/SPCA expects to address with owners include separation anxiety, leash-pulling, jumping-up, nipping and marking.

“Many questions and puzzling or problematic pet behaviors require much more guidance than someone can get from a helpline or a quick Internet search,” said PHS/SPCA Behavior & Training Manager Maria Eguren who will be overseeing the new program.

“Meeting with dogs and their people one-on-one in a private setting provides our experts more valuable information and an opportunity to give the people and families a live demonstration on how to work with their dogs at home.”

All appointments will take place at PHS/SPCA, located at 12 Airport Blvd. in San Mateo. Weekend, weekday and evening appointments available.

The private, individual consultations will compliment PHS/SPCA’s existing group obedience classes, offered year-round. “Group classes help socialize dogs with other dogs and learn amidst distractions, while private consultations offer intensive, tailored work and give us an opportunity to address problems that are not covered in an obedience class,” continued Eguren.

To make an appointment, please call 650/340-7022, ext. 667.

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Peninsula Humane Society's Secondhand Store Thriving During Overall Downturn in Retail Sales

July 29, 2008 (San Mateo) -- Despite the economic downturn, or perhaps because of it, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) has seen a boom in business at its secondhand store, Pick of the Litter, in Burlingame.

This follows national trends. Many resale, pawn and consignment shops have reported increases in sales, an anomaly in the retail sector in which overall sales have been stagnant.

At the June 30, 2008 close of the fiscal year, sales at The Pick of the Litter topped $290,000. This marked a significant increase over the previous fiscal year's total of $273,000. Comparing calendar years, net sales from 2008 are 13% ahead of sales from 2007.

The store features gently used clothing, furniture, household items, books, collectibles, holiday decorations, art, CDs and jewelry. Sales from these donated items benefit PHS/SPCA shelter animals. The store, which is open seven days per week, has the equivalent of three paid staff.  Volunteers help keep the overhead down.

In addition to an influx in volunteer help, shelter officials point to a few reasons for the successful sales trend.

"When times are tight and people look for belt-tightening measures, they may be more likely to shop for clothing and other items at secondhand stores," said store Assistant Manager John Gjersoe. 

"We've also benefited from an overall revival of merchants on Broadway and our own promotions. But, the best part of the shopping experience is that you never know what hidden treasure you might find on the shelves or racks." 

The Pick of the Litter features "Shop/Adopt Tuesdays" on the third Tuesday of each month.  All items are marked down to 50% and shelter staff bring a small number of available animals looking for homes to meet shoppers at the secondhand store.

Merchandise available at the Pick of the Litter changes daily. The store accepts most items and can pick up entire estate sales or large amounts of furniture. Items the store does not accept include mattresses, box springs and bed frames, exercise equipment, TVs, computers, and gardening equipment.

The Pick of the Litter is located at 1127 Chula Vista Ave, a block off Broadway Ave. Store hours are 11 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 pm on Sundays.  The store's phone number is 650/344-1662.

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Peninsula Humane Society’s Adopt-a-thon Nets 66 Adoptions

July 21, 2008 (San Mateo) Last Saturday, between 11 am and midnight, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) placed 66 pets into news loving homes during the shelter’s first-ever Adopt-a-thon, tripling the previous single-day adoption total.

Adopted animals included 45 cats, 16 dogs, three rabbits, one bird and one exotic pet.

“We’ve had some busy weekend days where we’ve reached the low 20s, but Saturday’s adoption total was truly incredible,” said PHS/SPCA President Ken White.  “The best part, for some visitors, was that their adoption was free.”

PHS/SPCA was waiving adoption fees for all cats at least five years old and will continue doing so through the summer months. The promotion is PHS/SPCA’s way of drawing attention to mature cats often overlooked when kittens are readily available as they are most summers.

Visitors were waiting outside the shelter at 10 am, a full hour before the doors opened.  And, the final adoption was well after 11 pm. 

“We look at our work in terms of saving one animal at a time, so we didn’t have a goal,” said PHS/SPCA Sr. Vice President Scott Delucchi.  “We hoped that by staying open late, we would place at least one long-time resident into a new home, but we were blown away.  Many of the animals adopted on Saturday had been awaiting new homes for months, and now they’re curled up on a lap, or out on a walk and getting to know their new families. The Adopt-a-thon was among the highlights of my 10 years with PHS/SPCA.”

The shelter still has close to 100 cats and 50 dogs available for adoption. Some are featured at www.PHS-SPCA.org. Available animals change daily and quite often, the most popular ones – purebreds, puppies and kittens – are adopted before their profiles can be added to the shelter’s website. The shelter also has a number of rabbits, rats and guinea pigs, exotic birds and reptiles seeking new homes.

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Peninsula Humane Society Offers Advice to Keep Animals Cool During Heat Wave

July 9, 2008 (San Mateo) – The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is offering the following advice for people and their animals during our current heat wave to avoid potentially deadly heat strokes or other problems related to extreme heat:

  • Keep animals inside where they have access to air conditioning, fans and rooms with cool surfaces; tiled bathrooms, kitchens, linoleum floors and garage floors are ideal.
  • Give your pet 24/7 access to cool, fresh water. Allowing an overheated pet to gulp ice water is not recommended, as it can shock a pet’s system.
  • Walk dogs only in the early morning or after the sun has gone down; avoid all strenuous activity during the day.
  • Feel the surface before you begin walking. If the pavement or asphalt is hot to a human’s touch, it can seriously injure a dog’s pads.
  • Avoid traveling in cars with your animal and leaving animals in parked cars. On a 75-degree day, the temperature inside a car can rise to 110 degrees within 10 minutes and a deadly 120 degrees within 30 minutes.  Leaving windows open a crack or parking in the shade does little to alleviate the heat. Windows open more than a few inches give animals a chance to get out and run the risk of being injured in traffic.
  • Give pets smaller meals; when animals are lethargic, they require fewer calories.
  • If an animal appears to be suffering from heat exhaustion, lower his body temperature immediately with cool water by soaking the animal gently with a garden hose, or sponging thoroughly.  Then, take the animal to your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
  • Keep your local emergency vet clinic’s phone number and address handy to avoid having to spend precious time searching for this information in an emergency.
  • Cats may enjoy this cool-down measure in your home: place a bowl of ice directly in front of a fan; the fan will blow cool air as the ice melts.
  • Pay special attention to older pets and pets normally kept in outdoor enclosures; rabbits kept in outdoor hutches, for example, are extremely sensitive to heat, and should be brought indoors.

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Peninsula Humane Society to Host “Dog Park Pros and Cons” on July 12

July 8, 2008 (San Mateo) – On Saturday, July 12, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is hosting a free workshop designed to teach people about pros and cons of dog parks. The talk, titled “Dog Park Pros and Cons: Play and Social Behavior in Dogs,” is from 4:30 to 5:30 pm inside the PHS/SPCA Auditorium at 12 Airport Blvd.

During the hour-long talk, instructor Martina Contreras will teach dog owners how to speak with owners of park “bullies,” explain which dogs might not be well-suited for off-leash play inside a park and cover other common dog park issues including:

  • Exercising safely with your dog
  • The pitfalls of inappropriate play behavior
  • The connection between dog parks, doggie day care and increased aggression
  • The mistakes people make
  • The mistakes dogs make (or do they?)
  • How much rough play is enough?
  • When play stops and bully behavior starts?
  • When owners should intervene and why?

This free, educational workshop is for dog owners and dog lovers alike! Please leave dogs at home.  For more info, call (650)340-7022 x306.

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Peninsula Humane Society Receives 29 Stray Dogs on July 4-5 -- 17 Still Waiting for Owners to Claim Them

July 8, 2008 (San Mateo) – During the July 4th holiday weekend, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA), rescued, then sheltered 29 dogs found wandering the streets in San Mateo County.  Society staff figure many of the dogs fled their yards after becoming frightened by fireworks.

As of Tuesday morning, staff had reunited 12 of these dogs with their owners; still, 17 remain in the shelter waiting for owners to visit and claim them. Owners are required to visit the shelter in person to claim a lost pet.

Dogs with current identification – a tag on their collar or microchip – were easily reunited with owners.  Those with no identification, outdated information, non-responsive owners or out-of-town owners are still looking to be reunited.

California state law mandates strays must be held in shelters four days -- not including the day of impoundment -- before they are considered property of the shelter and can be made available for general adoption.  PHS/SPCA holds dogs and cats with any identification for a minimum of 10 days.

“Sadly, some owners never visit,” said shelter spokesperson Scott Delucchi. “In those cases, we make every effort to find new homes and are 100% successful with healthy, adoptable dogs.”

By comparison to this year’s 29 strays, PHS/SPCA took in 26 stray dogs last July 4-5. All but seven were claimed by their owners within two days. During a normal weekend, the Society averages about 15 stray dogs.

PHS/SPCA is located next to Coyote Point Park, at 12 Airport Blvd. in San Mateo. Lost & Found hours are 11 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday and 11 am to 6 pm on the weekends.

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Peninsula Humane Society Waiving Adoption Fees for All Shelter Cats Age 5+

June 30, 2008 (San Mateo, CA) -- Beginning tomorrow, July 1, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is waiving the entire adoption fee for all shelter cats at least five years of age.
The seasonal program, made possible by generous donors Charlotte Toerck and Johannes Hoech of Redwood City, will likely last through the end of August.

This is the time of the year when mature cats are often passed over by potential adopters due to the abundance of kittens. By waiving fees, PHS/SPCA is hoping to find more loving homes for cats who need one.

“We’re saying that finding a home is far more important than collecting a fee,” said PHS/SPCA President Ken White. “If potential adopters demonstrate they can provide a good home for one or two of our mature cats, we’ll make it happen, at no cost.”

PHS/SPCA currently has more than 30 cats at least five years old awaiting new homes. All adoptions – even during this seasonal special – include a spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, a microchip, health check and behavior evaluation.

“If someone is ready to adopt, we’re confident they will fall for one of our cats during their first visit, given we have so many wonderful choices,” said PHS/SPCA spokesperson Scott Delucchi.

To “meet” some of the shelter’s cats seeking new homes, please visit www.PHS-SPCA.org. Adoption hours are 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 6 pm on weekends.

To make a gift toward this program, please contact Lisa Van Buskirk at 650/340-7022, ext. 327. A $100 donation will ensure that two more adult cats will become part of this seasonal adoption special and find their new loving homes at no cost to the adopters. 

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Peninsula Humane Society Offers Tips to Keep Pets Safe During Heat Wave

May 15, 2008 (San Mateo) – With triple digit temperatures expected this weekend, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is urging local residents to take special precautions to ensure their pets’ safety.

  • Do not leave your dog in a parked car.  Temperatures inside a car – even one with the windows cracked and parked in the shade – can become deadly within minutes. Leave your dog at home.
  • Avoid dog walks during the heat of the day.  Set out for daily walks before 8 am and after 8 pm.
  • Feed less food. Our pets, like us, require less food when they are less active.
  • Make cool water available, but don’t let your dog drink ice cold water after a long walk. Hydrate, but don’t shock his system.
  • To cool him down, try compresses with a damp, cool facecloth.
  • If the coolest spot in your house is the garage floor, give your dog access, but make sure the garage is pet proofed and he cannot get into paint, oil, pesticides or any other toxic materials. A shady spot outdoors may be cooler than inside the house, especially if there is any breeze.
  • Notice signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke: extreme lethargy and shallow breathing or panting, glazed eyes, excessive thirst, a deep red or purple tongue, vomiting. If a pet shows symptoms, gradually lower her body temperature immediately. Move her to the shade or an air-conditioned area, apply ice pack or cold towels to her neck, head and chest or immerse her in cool (not cold) water, let her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes and take her directly to a veterinarian.
  • Short-nosed breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, young pets, seniors or pets with weight, respiratory, cardiovascular or other health problems are especially susceptible to heat-related stress.

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Peninsula Humane Society to Host Free Estate Planning Workshop for People and the Pets They Love

April 30, 2008 (San Mateo, CA) -- Next Tuesday, May 6, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is hosting a free workshop to help people include pets in their wills or trusts.

The workshop, to be held in the shelter's Auditorium at 12 Airport Boulevard, is intended to help the growing number of people who are thinking ahead for their pets and wanting to make sure their pets are cared for once they are no longer able to do so themselves.
Guest speakers Kimberley Fonner and Lori Adasiewicz, Attorneys-at-Law, will discuss what happens if you don’t have a will or trust, how to make plans for assets with your pets in mind, and steps people can take to get started immediately.  Please call 650/340-7022 x327 if you plan to attend or need more information.

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Peninsula Humane Society to Hold Event Celebrating Pet Rats!

March 14, 2008 (San Mateo, CA) – The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) and Rattie Ratz, a local pet rat rescue group, are presenting “The Wonderful World of Rats” on Sunday, March 30, 11 am to 4 pm. The free family funfest will be ­­­­­­held in the shelter’s Auditorium, located at the far south end of the shelter at 12 Airport Blvd. in San Mateo.

PHS/SPCA and Rattie Ratz invite the public to learn about keeping domestic pet rats happy and healthy. In addition to providing tips and resources for proper care and maintenance of pet rats, the event will also feature adoptable pet rats, representatives from local rat organizations, the sale of supplies to keep pet rats happy and healthy, and activities for families including crafts and games.

The special event is in its 4th year and is scheduled close to World Rat Day, which falls on April 4.

To learn more about Rattie Ratz, a local organization that works with humane societies to rescue pet rats and place them into new homes, please visit www.RattieRatz.com.

To learn more about this event, visit www.TheWonderfulWorldOfRats.com.

Domestic pet rats make wonderful companion animals for many people, especially families with children. They are small, simple to care for, and live 2-3 years. They are as clean as cats and trainable like dogs but do not require the long-term commitment and other responsibilities that go with the guardianship of other, more common, companion animals.

Of the 4,000 or so pets PHS/SPCA places into new homes each year, between 50-100 are domestic rats.

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Peninsula Humane Society Receives Prestigious Accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association

February 21, 2008 (San Mateo) – Yesterday afternoon, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) staff celebrated their recent accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) following a comprehensive review of the shelter’s veterinary program.

AAHA Standards of Accreditation are widely used as benchmarks to measure excellence in veterinary medicine. Categories upon which veterinary hospitals are voluntarily rated and areas where PHS/SPCA’s veterinary program demonstrated a high standard include patient care, surgery, client services, continuing education, emergency and urgent care, examination facilities, medical records, pain management, and safety.

Just 12 percent of all small veterinary practices in the entire United States and only a handful of shelters that accept and care for as many animals as PHS/SPCA does each year (approx. 15,000) have received AAHA accreditation.

“Our employees take great pride in this achievement,” said PHS/SPCA President Ken White. “We were voluntarily evaluated by a leading, national accrediting organization and told we meet or exceed high veterinary hospital standards.”

“By attaining accreditation, PHS/SPCA has clearly demonstrated its dedication to offering the best care to its patients and clients,” said AAHA President Michael Andrews, DVM.

PHS/SPCA’s annual clients include 9,000-10,000 stray and owner-relinquished dogs and cats, a few thousand small companion animals, a number of exotic pets and farm animals, and 3,500- 4,000 wild animals. The Society operates a low-cost, public spay/neuter clinic (26 surgeries/day), a mobile spay/neuter clinic for low-income neighborhoods, and a monthly low-cost vaccination clinic.

Some strays require emergency care for injuries sustained after being struck by vehicles; other animals have suffered intentional abuse or have been neglected by owners and arrive severely underweight, with untreated injuries, skin conditions, or in need of significant dental care or grooming. Incoming wildlife treated by staff arrive with conditions and injuries as varied as the wild species themselves. Some receive individual treatment plans for months before being released to their natural habitat.

Generous public contributions enable PHS/SPCA to employ 4.5 full time veterinarians. Unlike limited-admission shelters which accept only healthy animals, PHS/SPCA accepts all animals, regardless of age, size, condition or temperament. PHS/SPCA finds new homes for 100% of its healthy, adoptable dogs and cats; each month, approximately 150 animals with medical or behavioral issues are made well at PHS/SPCA, then placed into new homes.

To receive AAHA accreditation, PHS/SPCA made only minor changes; two such changes included purchasing some newer, more advanced equipment for the Spay/Neuter Clinic and putting veterinary and medical practices into written protocols.

“The process was fairly uncomplicated,” said staff veterinarian Eleanor Karlsson, DVM. “We were already doing extraordinary work. The accreditation formalized and validated our existing work and standards.” 

PHS/SPCA will be evaluated every three years to maintain accreditation status and comply with any industry updates.

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Peninsula Humane Society Places Record Number of Pets Into New Homes Over Three-Day Weekend…Society’s Second-hand Store Sets Sales Record the Same Weekend

February 14, 2008 (San Mateo) – Last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) placed 51 pets into new, permanent homes; the shelter occasionally surpasses 50 adoptions during three-day weekends in summer months and December, but has not done so in other months.

Among the pets placed into new homes, there were 22 dogs, 20 cats, six birds, two guinea pigs and one rabbit.

With last weekend’s adoptions, PHS/SPCA has now placed more than 400 animals into new homes this calendar year, and is more than 100 adoptions ahead of last year’s total at this time. In recent calendar years, PHS/SPCA has come close to reaching the 4,000 total for animal adoptions.

“We believe the amazing weekend was due, in part, to the incredible weather, following several weekends of bad weather,” said PHS/SPCA Customer Service Manager Dan Hanley. “Plus, love was in the air, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner!”

Weather may have also played a part in the shelter’s best-ever sale at their Pick of the Litter secondhand store at 1127 Chula Vista Ave. in Burlingame.  During last weekend’s 5th Anniversary - 50% off promotion, the store made more than $4,500 from sales of gently used items. 

The store, which receives all of its merchandise by way of donations from individuals, estate sales and other retail partners, regularly features deals on used furniture, books, jewelry, clothing, household items and one-of-kind treasures.

Sales from the Pick of the Litter’s secondhand items benefit PHS/SPCA shelter animals.

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Peninsula Humane Society To Offer Pet First Aid Course

January 18, 2008 (San Mateo) – As part of its ongoing series of educational programs for the community, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is holding a Pet First Aid course at its 12 Airport Blvd. location on Sunday, January 27.  An early session is being offered from 9 am to 1 pm.  The same material will be presented during a second, 2-6 pm session.

Anyone who cares for or works with dogs and cats, including pet owners, dog walkers, pet sitters and groomers, should be ready to help them in an emergency.  This course will focus on basic first aid and CPR, and it will cover the immediate care for an injured or suddenly ill pet until veterinary care is available. Attendees will learn how to minimize trauma, safely transport pets, and even save their lives by being properly prepared.

The course instructor, Peter Pay of Need to Know Training, is certified by the American Safety & Health Institute and American Red Cross.

Early registration is encouraged as class size is limited. A $40 fee includes materials.

For more information or to register, please call 650/340-7022, ext. 369.

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Peninsula Humane Society, Eight Other Shelters Taking Part in Fourth Annual Bay Area Pit Fix

January 17, 2008 (San Mateo) – During the week of January 21, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) and seven other Bay Area animal welfare organizations will offer free spay and neuter surgeries for Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes as part of the fourth annual Bay Area Pit Fix.

The goal of Bay Area Pit Fix is to help curb the problem of Pit Bull overpopulation. Pit bulls are a breed in crisis. Due to indiscriminate and irresponsible breeding, shelters see more incoming pit bulls than any other breed. “PHS/SPCA offers San Mateo County residents free fixes for their pit bulls and pit mixes year-round,” said shelter spokesperson Scott Delucchi. “Still, we feel it’s important to join the Bay Area-wide effort -- to call attention to the issue and terrific service available to every Bay Area resident. To schedule a free surgery, San Mateo residents should call 650/340-7025. Out-of-county residents should call 1-877-4-Pit-Fix.

In addition to curbing the pit bull population which benefits animal shelters and their communities, spay/neuter surgeries offer direct benefits to dogs and their owners. Spayed female dogs won’t have messy “heat” cycles, and they greatly reduce their risk of mammary, ovarian and uterine cancers.  Neutered males eliminate their risk of testicular cancer and are much less likely to act aggressively; in the great majority of dog bite incidents, the attacking dog is an un-neutered male.

PHS/SPCA has added another incentive: an unprecedented cash bonus. “In addition to free surgeries, we continue to offer a $10 bill to San Mateo County residents who have their pit bull or pit mix fixed at PHS/SPCA,” said Delucchi. “We’ve done everything possible to make this procedure available and impossible to turn down.”
PHS/SPCA’s offer is valid year-round and is not limited to the Bay Area Pit Fix week (Feb. 21). Appointments must be made in advance by calling the PHS/SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic.

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 Peninsula Humane Society Kicks-Off “Year of the Senior” with Adoption Special

January 7, 2008 (San Mateo) – To meet its New Year’s resolution of matching homeless pets with seniors, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is waiving adoption fees. Shelter visitors at least 55 years of age can adopt a dog, cat or small companion animal for free through February 28, 2008.

“We feel seniors make ideal adopters, given that many are retired and have time to devote to a pet, have prior experience caring for animals, and can benefit greatly from sharing their lives with a pet who will give them unconditional love and companionship,” said shelter spokesperson Scott Delucchi .  “If we ask for identification to verify senior status, please don’t be offended – consider it a compliment.”

Seniors are also generally more stable. Each year, thousands of animals are brought to Bay Area shelters by their owners who cite “moving – cannot take my pet with me” as their reason for relinquishment.

Interested adopters can view a sampling of available animals at www.PHS-SPCA.org, listen to the shelter’s daily recorded message at 650/340-7022, or visit in person from 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 6 pm on weekends. Some animals – especially those placed into new homes very quickly – are never featured on the website.

Seniors interested in taking advantage of the waived fees must still meet with a staff counselor to complete an adoption.

The current adoption special is just one of several ways PHS/SPCA will reach out to seniors in 2008.  Other programs include:

  • Regular visits with our newly expanded Pet Therapy Team; handler/pet teams will visit senior homes and nursing facilities, providing residents the special therapy that only an animal can offer.
  • A shelter speaker for senior groups’ monthly meetings.
  • Guided shelter tours for senior groups.
  • Meaningful volunteer opportunities at the shelter or at PHS/SPCA’s Pick of the Litter Retail Shop in Burlingame.
  • Guidance for seniors concerned about providing for their loved pets when they are no longer able.
  • Reduced rates on dog training classes and free animal behavior advice.
  • Invitations to the shelter’s free mobile spay/neuter clinics for fixed-income seniors who wish to “fix” their dog or cat.

“Considering PHS/SPCA has been a vital part of this community for 55 years, we think this year’s theme and our special efforts to enrich seniors’ lives is fitting,” said PHS/SPCA President Ken White.

PHS/SPCA opened its doors at the current Coyote Point location in the fall of 1952.

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